Next steps
Ready for the vase?
Our arranging guide takes you through creating your finished display.
For later
Keep them looking their best
For cleaning, adding water and storing your flowers, read our care guide.
The unboxing guide
How to make your flowers look their best
Your flowers are carefully packed for their journey, so the petals, leaves and stems may look a little compact when you first open the box. A few gentle adjustments will help them return to their natural shape and fullness. Here’s how to bring out the best in every stem.
The method
Bringing them to life
Four simple steps and about five minutes are all it takes.
Step 01
Unbox with care
Open the box fully and ease the wrapping away from the flowers. Lift them out by the stems, rather than the flower heads, supporting longer stems as you go.
Take your time around delicate petals and any smaller branches caught in the wrapping. Give each stem a little room before you begin shaping it.
A compact flower head or a leaf pressed against the stem can usually be eased back into shape. The next steps show you how.
Step 02
Open the petals
Support the bloom just below the flower head, and gently separate any petals pressed together. Start with the outer petals and work inward, using your fingertips to gently separate them.
For fuller flowers like hydrangeas and peonies, gently work through the clusters to build volume. Small adjustments are enough; you don’t need to pull every petal into place.
Follow the flower’s natural shape. A closed bud should stay a bud, and delicate petals only need a light touch.
Step 03
Fan out the foliage
Leaves and side shoots often sit close to the main stem after travelling. Ease them out one at a time, gently fanning them in different directions.
On eucalyptus, blossom and branching sprays, open the smaller stems and leaves as well. Let some face forwards and others turn slightly to the side, giving the whole stem a more open, natural shape.
Support each branch near its base as you adjust it, rather than pulling from the leaf or tip.
Step 04
Shape the stems
Gently curve the wired stems with both hands, making small adjustments along their length. Aim for a soft bend rather than one sharp angle.
Give each stem a slightly different shape: some can stay more upright, while others lean or curve a little. That variation helps the flowers look relaxed and natural.
The finishing touch
Give them a little time
Once you’ve opened and shaped your flowers, let them settle for a day or so. Then take another look: a leaf turned slightly or a bloom gently opened can make all the difference.
We’re here to help
Need a hand with your flowers?
Send us a photo and let us know what you’d like help with. Our team will be happy to guide you.